Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Osaka or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Osaka or San Jose?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Osaka and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Osaka and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Osaka or San Jose? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Osaka Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
- Transfer from Osaka to Universal Studios: $163
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $26
- Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $26
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $110
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Nara: $215
- Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $129
- Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $95
- Private arrival Transfer from Osaka Itami Airport(ITM) to central Osaka city: $122
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Osaka change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayOsaka $25San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $184
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $142
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $40
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $120
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Osaka is in Asia and San Jose is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or San Jose?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and San Jose, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Osaka or San Jose?
Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Osaka or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Jose. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In October, Osaka is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and San Jose. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Osaka is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than San Jose. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the spring, Osaka is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Osaka
| Osaka | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.